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Witch hunting has claimed many lives in history and unfortunately persists today in some areas. One of the well-known incidents in witch-hunting history was the Salem witch trials, occurring from February 1692 to May 1693. If you've ever wondered what exactly could get you accused of witchcraft in the 17th century, then this is your chance to find out.
Curious? Explore the following gallery and determine if you would have met the criteria for being labeled a witch.
Being a woman instantly made you a target for accusations of witchcraft and affiliation with the devil.
The famous Salem witch trials are a good example. A total of 13 women and only five men were found guilty of witchcraft.
If you're poor or homeless and depend on assistance from others, your neighbors may be suspicious of you and label you as an outcast.
Sarah Good, a poor woman who would go from house to house asking for food, was charged with witchcraft during the Salem trials and executed in 1692.
Even wealthy women who support themselves don't escape scrutiny. Any woman who lives independently without relying on a man's support would provoke curiosity.
It is worth noting that the majority of women convicted and executed for witchcraft in New England between the years 1620 and 1725 were those who did not have male relatives to inherit their wealth.
If a group of women gathers, they are often seen as a coven of witches, hence risking accusations of witchcraft.
We're all capable of lashing out in moments of anger. However, in the 17th century, an angered individual might resort to accusing others, particularly women, of practicing witchcraft. This was sure to land someone who wronged you in serious trouble.
Rachel Clinton, who survived the Salem trials, was accused by fellow women of "hunching them with her elbow" when she passed by them at church.
If you had a heated argument with someone, they could simply accuse you of associating with the devil.
Rebecca Nurse, an elderly woman, faced accusations during the Salem witch trials and was executed at the age of 71.
Children can also be witches, so don't assume that things are any easier for them!
Dorothy Goode, a four-year-old girl, spent a nine-month period in jail for admitting to engaging in witchcraft. Her mother, Sarah Goode, who was accused of practicing witchcraft alongside her, was executed.
The act of delivering babies may seem mysterious. Some midwives faced disapproval from the church due to their practices, such as employing herbs. Consequently, their occupation was often associated with witchcraft.
It is impossible for you to have such a fertile womb. The only way is through magic...
Is it possible that your womb is cursed? Perhaps only a witch could possess a cursed womb.
As a woman, one is expected to avoid being assertive, questioning authority, or defending oneself. Defying these expectations could cause you to be labeled a witch, and the consequences of this were sometimes fatal.
This is the account of Rachel Clinton's trial: "Did she not show the character of an embittered, meddlesome, demanding woman—perhaps in short, the character of a witch? Did she not scold, rail, threaten and fight?" argued her accusers.
Do you possess a birthmark? Indeed, that mole was intentionally placed by the devil!
Dairy products gone bad were cited in the Salem trials as proof of sorcery.
Some alleged witches were accused of having curdled milk in their homes, while neighbors claimed their mere presence spoiled the milk. This certainly seems like a manifestation of dark magic!
Alice Lake, a woman grieving the loss of her child, reported a sighting of the deceased baby after some time had passed.
In 1651, Lake was indicted and stood trial for witchcraft in Dorchester Massachusetts. Her charges included engaging in premarital intimacy and being visited by the devil in the guise of her deceased child. Ultimately, she was executed by hanging.
If you find yourself fantasizing about your ideal partner and envisioning their qualities, it's possible that you possess witch-like tendencies.
Tituba, a slave woman, faced accusations of witchcraft for her alleged act of guiding girls in foreseeing their future husbands.
Breaking any rule will result in a pact with the devil, transforming the person into a witch.
Sources: (Mentalfloss) (History Collection) (History of American Women Blog)
Signs of witchcraft: what would get you accused in the 17th century
You'd probably be accused of being a witch if you did these
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Witch hunting has claimed many lives in history and unfortunately persists today in some areas. One of the well-known incidents in witch-hunting history was the Salem witch trials, occurring from February 1692 to May 1693. If you've ever wondered what exactly could get you accused of witchcraft in the 17th century, then this is your chance to find out.
Curious? Explore the following gallery and determine if you would have met the criteria for being labeled a witch.